VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Two Volusia County deputies are receiving lifesaving awards for saving a couple from their dog.
The sheriff’s office said it happened back on Mother’s Day weekend when the dog started attacking and mauling the couple. On Thursday, News 6 was there as the couple reunited with their heroes.
“I’m very physically strong with pushing through things, but mentally, I’m shattered,” said Darylyn Warner.
Warner and her partner, Chad Bunfill, are now recovering with a long road ahead.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The couple adopted their first dog ever, Harley, in early April.
“None of the vets thought about his reactions or him being mean or aggressive,” Bunfill said. “Around other animals, other people, never had a problem. Kids, no problem with kids.”
Six weeks later though, on Mother’s Day, Warner said she cut her hand and her neighbor came over to help her clean it up.
Harley suddenly became aggressive.
“All of a sudden I just felt this stinging and I just look down and it was him and he was doing his head back and forth,” she said.
Warner said the dog ripped her calf off.
“He (Bunfill) finally laid down on the floor to get Harley’s attention. That’s when I was able to crawl into the cage,” Warner said.
Warner had crawled into the dog’s cage to lock herself away. Bunfill was then being mauled and the neighbor ran out and called 911.
Deputies Justin De La Rosa and Tyler Blackwell ran into the couple’s home.
“All I see are Deputy De La Rosa’s eyes and we locked eyes, and I knew they were there to save us,” Warner said.
The deputies told News 6 the scene was shocking.
“The dog was latched onto him, Chad, and did not seem to want to get off and then the dog began to charge us and at that point we had limited options,” he said.
The deputies shot the dog.
“I did see Harley get shot, but he was going to attack the deputies,” Warner said.
It is now a moment engrained in all four of their minds.
“My dog is like my son and it’s not easy. It carries the same weight as any sort of life,” De La Rosa said.
Warner and Bunfill said they have months of recovery still.
“My only problem is with PTSD, I wake up at night screaming,” Warner said. “I was in the hospital for nine days. He was in it for a little over two weeks.”
It’s been an adjustment, but the couple said they are moving forward with the help of their heroes.
“They welcomed us into their home and at their worst point we were there and I’m just glad they’re doing OK,” De La Rosa said.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: